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| A celebration-in more ways than one. Birthday dinners-at least three on the night we went...including the celebrators at the large corner tables in the 2 public dining areas (excellent for a groups of 8+) ...as are the upstairs/downstairs private rooms of this 3 floor establishment. BONUS-the private dining areas equipped with large screen HDMI tvs +WiFi-great tasty spots to host gatherings-or join in on- watching NFL games...aka---a delicious way to keep tabs on the Fantasy Football teams of you and yours. |
Growing up in an era when eating take-out Chinese food at a friend's house (that had three sets of dishes -one for milk, one for meat, one for Chinese food-just like the joke)...or at 'Cantonese' style in-house locales-with pairings from Column As and Bs...it took awhile for us to experience the wonderful diversity of authentic Chinese cuisines...
AND-it took until this week to find the ideal combinations of delicious Chinese food-Beijing style- from mouth watering selections-from a sophisticated but not overwhelming menu (soups, salads, satays, lettuce wraps, spring rolls, noodles+dumplings. entrées and sides), a posh locale on a Manhattan midtown side street, upscale decor and professional service-paced well...that came together at the established since 2005 Phillipe by Philippe Chow in NYC.
No wonder this approachable luxurious restaurant was full on a Tuesday night---filled with suit and tie attired captains of the industry office workers in close convos, jeans and tee clad kids with their parents, and very noticeable- many trendy casually-properly dressed hip couples...and musician/actor/athlete types....including imo.- regular diners sipping bottled water only, winding down their day=meaning glued to their smartphones.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
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| where we sat- Skylight Room-formal dining service-crisp white linens, solid china, professional service that knew when to clear dishes at just the right time...(i.e. not hurried). Can be used for a party too. |
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| Runway Room -tables of 2-4 and larger corner tables for groups... |
THE FOOD:
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| Chicken Satay-with signature peanut sauce |
AMAZING!!! Some Highlights:
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| we started with the just right citrus-y plum & lime juice vinaigrette spinach salad-fresh greens - and properly dressed...our table mate, a Jams veteran- was surprised that a Chinese restaurant would "get this so right!" $12 |
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| healthy eaters-are easily accommodated-there is an entire section on the menu with Steamed Options including these crunchy fresh steamed vegetables that we inhaled...and gluten free selections too...with sauce on the side options. No wonder there are neighborhood regulars. $12 |
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| glorious balance of flavors-and a signature entree dish Green Prawns marinated in spinach with vegetables (carrots, water chestnuts, red peppers)-and a little green chili for flavor not too spicy at all $32. Other diners partake of the carved table side Peking Duck served with pancakes (for ⅔ diners $75). Bonus points here-the amount of sauce/seasoning was perfectly in proportion with the main ingredients...this is tougher to get than one might think. Clear-made fresh. They should have a cookbook. |
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| Crispy and light -a substantial entrée of Golden Sea Scallops---fried but delectably so---lightly floured&sautéed, salt and pepper, scallions with sprinkle of dried garlic. |
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| rice is in this 'old-school' server (LOVE!!!!), thick linens, classic white china, sold glassware and holloware cutlery...and chopsticks-REAL dining out |
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| Dreamy-the Maine Lobster lightly floured, flash fried, ginger, scallions, &black pepper (MP) |
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| Mr. Cheng hand-pulled Noodles (with pork or veal sauce)-we could see kids with narrow meal ideas... loving this...$18 |
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| there is a dedicated Pastry Chef Kostas Paterakis---mouth watering American style choices (Red Velvet Cake, Warm Apple Crumb)...beautifully served |
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| for quiet conversation-the front -first floor lounge has intimate seating, barely audible music in the background- and of course...the complete menu....and the legendary Philippe Chow service...at your beckoning |
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| a complete wine list---specialty signature cocktails such as the Lychee Martini ($19) with Absolute Vodka, lychee juice, coconut cream, lime juice, Citronage...premium and ultra premium wines, champagnes and beers...including well chosen, by the glass/bottle selections ($11-$40). We aimed for a bight, fruity, well balanced-good acids and length-mineral finish =Riesling, S.A. Prom, Mosel, Germany ($12/glass) and a Chardonnay, Carr, Sonoma Valley, California ($14/glass) |
WHAT ELSE:
Take Out & Catering Menu---this being NYC---delivery is of course available but we saw what seemed to be 'regulars' who live in the neighborhood....stop by...on their way home from work. (Convenient!)
Chef Tasting Menu-$85/pp
HOURS: Monday-Saturday=Lunch 12PM-3:30PM, Light Fare=4PM-6PM, Dinner: 6PM-11:30PM
Sundays=2PM-11PM
www.philippechow.com
(some pictures-Philippe Chow)